University of Washington Policy Directory

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*Formerly part of the University Handbook
Administrative Policy Statement
13.8.4



Drug and Alcohol Testing for Positions Requiring a Commercial Driver's License

(Approved by the Executive Vice President by authority of Executive Order No. 5)



4.  Responsibilities

a.   Management

Management's responsibilities are as follows:

  • Promote a work environment free from drugs and alcohol;

  • Provide the resources necessary to carry out this policy;

  • Ensure the contents of this policy are communicated to affected staff;

  • Ensure that supervisors receive training to understand the provisions of this policy and to recognize behaviors which may indicate substance abuse; and

  • Remove employees from safety sensitive work and take appropriate corrective action as warranted by positive test results and in accordance with this policy, and with federal and state regulations.

b.   Supervisors

Supervisors' responsibilities are as follows:

  • Attend training explaining the provisions of this policy and how to recognize behaviors which may indicate substance abuse;

  • Inform all current and future covered employees about the University's drug and alcohol abuse policy, educational materials, and information on rehabilitation services available;

  • Enforce and comply with the provisions of this policy;

  • Serve as a positive role model; and

  • Remove employees from safety sensitive work and take appropriate corrective action as warranted by positive test results and in accordance with this policy, and with federal and state regulations.

c.   Employees

Employees' responsibilities are as follows:

  • To comply with University policy and federal regulations which prohibit being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol while on the job or in a paid standby capacity;

  • To report any impairment that affects the ability to perform safety sensitive work to the supervisor, including the effect of prescribed drugs;

  • Submit to alcohol and drug testing when required to do so in accordance with federal regulations;

  • Participate in an evaluation with a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) if a drug test is positive or a breath or alcohol test indicates an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or above;

  • Immediately notify their supervisor of any criminal conviction involving drugs or alcohol in the workplace;

  • Immediately notify their supervisor of any conviction for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; and

  • Immediately notify their supervisor of any accidents, regardless of who may be at fault, that occur while operating a vehicle for which possession of a Commercial Driver's License is required.

d.   Human Resources Department

The Human Resources Department's responsibilities are as follows:

  • Promote a drug- and alcohol-free workplace by informing applicants for employment of the University's policy and testing program;

  • Implement a training program for supervisors and managers of covered employees subject to drug and/or alcohol testing which covers this policy, the effects of drugs and/or alcohol in the workplace and behavioral symptoms of impairment;

  • Provide caregiver referral services to employees who may need assistance to overcome drug or alcohol dependency;

  • Provide referral for substance abuse professional services; and<

  • Assist supervisors and/or appointing authorities in planning and implementing corrective action plans for employees who have positive test results.

e.   Testing Contractor

The testing contractor's responsibilities are as follows:

  • Determine random testing to be accomplished;

  • Carry out random, preemployment, postaccident, reasonable suspicion, and follow-up sample collection and testing, while protecting personal privacy in accordance with federal regulations;

  • Establish and maintain chain of custody, transport, and test samples;

  • Provide Medical Review Officer (MRO) services meeting the separation of function requirements pursuant to 49 CFR §40.33 (b)(1) and (2);

  • Exercise confidentiality when reporting test results;

  • Maintain all dated records and notifications pursuant to 49 CFR §382.409;

  • Develop and implement a record keeping and reporting system meeting the requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation pursuant to 49 CFR §382.401; and

  • Provide Management Information System (MIS) reports and other reports as required by federal regulations.